Stephanie Labuskes is an art director at Team Creatif USA where she helps to design and develop strategic packaging creative for fast-moving consumer goods around the world. She hails from Pennsylvania, is a graduate of The Ohio State University, and in her free time enjoys showing off her mad corn-hole skills, mountain biking, salsa dancing, and the occasional sewing project.

Where are you from?

Pittsburgh, PA

What attracted you to the design profession? Did you have particular mentors or experiences that opened the door to the profession for you?

As a kid, I was amazed how beautifully executed product packaging, posters, magazines, etc. were and loathed the limitations of my markers, crayons and Colorblaster. Most of my childhood was spent at my art desk. My close friend and I used to write and “direct” our own commercials and radio spots.  When I reached high school, I took my first Photoshop class and was hooked.

 What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? 

I think I would find a lot of fulfillment as a physical therapist. I have taught aerobics and social dance and loved the feeling of helping someone achieve a physical goal. Being the person who helped a patient relieve or overcome a physical limitation would be immensely rewarding.

What would people be surprised to know about you? 

I’m actually pretty handy around the house! I have successfully installed/uninstalled garbage disposals, ceiling lights, a shower door, a television wall mount, repaired drywall and assembled nearly all the furniture that I own that originally arrived in a box. I have an impressively terrible record with lawn equipment though.

What sound or noise do you love?

My nephew’s laugh. He’s two. He thinks the world is amazing and everything is hilarious. It’s a wonderful sound.

Each month, AIGA Charlotte strives to highlight one of its members. If you have any ideas for our next spotlight, please contact Gavan Leatham at gleatham@charlotte.aiga.org.